Canadian mlvw power steering on m35a2

[Sumner]

Been a member for quite a few years, have a m35a2, and recently acquired a second one that I decided to bob. I’m in northern Alberta, Canada, and you just don’t see many of these up here.

I came across a fellow that was cutting up a few mlvw’s, and was able to snag a power steering setup off one.

The box is a ross box, and mounts outside the frame rail with a mounting plate and reinforcement plate inside.

So far I’ve removed my manual steering, and will be installing the power box over the next few evenings.

 

[Sumner]

One thing I noticed that’s quite a bit different is the size of the ends of the drag link. The taper I quite a bit larger on the mlvw than the m35a2. Luckily I grabbed the differential steering arm off the mlvw too

 

[SCM35A2]

Subscribed!

 

[V8srfun]

Looks nice

 

[Sumner]

Well, had a bit more time tonight to work on the truck. Here’s a couple pics comparing the U.S. steering arm and the Canadian. Pretty much identical, just beefier at the taper on the Canadian.

 

[Sumner]

Got the box up and test fitted. Looks like it will work ok. I have about 1” between the steering arm and the tire at full lock. Mind you, I have recentered hemmt wheels, so I believe the offset sets the wheel further out than some others, so this may not fit with 395’s and other wheels.

Can’t see it in the pics, but I used a chunk of frame from the bob job as the reinforcement plate on the inside of the frame rail.

 

[Sumner]

Now my next dilemma. Should I use the belt driven power steering pump off the mlvw, and have it share the air compressor belt, or go with the lds 5 ton pump.

I’m kinda leery having the single belt run the air compressor and power steering, might be more than the belt can handle. Anyone do this and have it work?

As for the 5 ton pump, I have one that I bought years ago and its just been sitting on the shelf. I’m leaning towards using it, just for simplicity sake, and not having to fab mounting brackets for the belt pump.

 

[rustystud]

Go with the 5 ton arrangement. You don't want to lose your steering and air (power brakes) at the same time !

 

[oboyjohn]

I have posted here on the site a ton of pictures on how the power steering box was mounted on the frame including picture of the re-enforcement bracket. If my memory is correct, there is also a plate on the inside of the frame rail.

 

[Sumner]

So I’ve had a bit of time over the last few days to wrap up the install.

I did end up going with the 5ton pump I had, and it works very well with the steering box

The one thing I forgot to grab was an extra column mount for the firewall, so that was something I had to fab up.

 

[Sumner]

Here’s a few more pics of the install.

The mlvw wheel almost has a luxurious feel to it compared the the original deuce wheel


I fabbed up a mount bracket for the reservoir so it mounts off the engine. I was originally going to put it on the firewall, but I wanted to keep it clear for the power brake install. Works nicely, and is easy to access.


Overall, it was a pretty straight forward project. Took it for a test drive, and out cruising through a foot of snow, you can steer with one finger. I may have to flip the shims on the front axle at some point, as the steering is almost too light now. Travelling down the road it seemed handle well, and wasn’t too darty, so not sure if it’s completely necessary though?

Overall, it’s about the single best thing I think you could do to a deuce. Now I’m gonna have to try to track down the parts to do it to my other truck.

 

[Sumner]

Hear a few more pics of the install.

Shop cat for scale, lol

 

[cattlerepairman]

The driving feeling of a Deuce with power steering is as if the truck had shrunk in size. To me, it suddenly felt like a smaller vehicle!

 

[Sumner]

Yep, what a difference. I jumped in the truck, and had to make a tight left turn, and found myself hauling on the wheel just out of habit, and had to stop myself.

Next on the list, hydroboost and dual circuit brakes. And thinking about a hydraulic clutch assembly, just so I can convert both pedals to hanging pedals. I’m going to have to do some research on that

 

[m1010plowboy]

Is that the deuce you bobbed in a day or are you working on something else already? Seano11 snuck some pictures out but let's see that beast now. I didn't even ask if I should post the pics he sent to me and you're closest to him so if you don't want these shared......get him. I wanted to get up there today but we'll wait for some warmth and I can check out the campground......see water flow in a river lol.



The museum boys are saving some MLVW's at the dome so you fellas should come down with your trucks for a photo shoot.

 

[Sumner]

Yup, that’s the one. Planning on putting some miles on this one, so want to get it all fancied up.
Lots of winter left, so should have time to get it finished up, and maybe get some paint on it too.

Hopefully this summer we can all get together, do some camping.

Hear a few pics of this truck, more to come as I get more stuff accomplished.

 

[rustystud]

Looking real good "Sumner" !

 

[ravager]

Here’s a few more pics of the install.

The mlvw wheel almost has a luxurious feel to it compared the the original deuce wheel
View attachment 889746

I fabbed up a mount bracket for the reservoir so it mounts off the engine. I was originally going to put it on the firewall, but I wanted to keep it clear for the power brake install. Works nicely, and is easy to access.
View attachment 889747View attachment 889748

Overall, it was a pretty straight forward project. Took it for a test drive, and out cruising through a foot of snow, you can steer with one finger. I may have to flip the shims on the front axle at some point, as the steering is almost too light now. Travelling down the road it seemed handle well, and wasn’t too darty, so not sure if it’s completely necessary though?

Overall, it’s about the single best thing I think you could do to a deuce. Now I’m gonna have to try to track down the parts to do it to my other truck.

Where is that steering column from? I live in the Netherlands and i have since 6 months a m35a2 and i want to mount also power steering, sow i'm seeking some stuff now.
Tips are welcome

 

[Sumner]

Where is that steering column from? I live in the Netherlands and i have since 6 months a m35a2 and i want to mount also power steering, sow i'm seeking some stuff now.
Tips are welcome

It’s from a MLVW, the Canadian m35